O.J. Howard is Bucs' greatest 2017 offseason steal

O.J. Howard is Bucs' greatest 2017 offseason steal

According to draft analysts, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some of the top steals of the 2017 NFL Draft, and the biggest one is tight end O.J. Howard. He fell to the Bucs at No. 19 but was expected to be a top-10 pick. Several teams shook things up with early-round selections that targeted mostly quarterbacks and wide receivers.

The Buccaneers were surprised by Howard’s availability and that eighteen teams passed on him. According to Bucs general manager Jason Licht, “It was a little bit of a pipe-dream.” Fortunately, Howard fell right into Tampa Bay’s lap, making him perhaps the biggest steal of the draft. Since draft analysts expected Howard to go much earlier, the Bucs were elated with Howard’s availability.

Howard had a successful campaign during his time with Nick Saban and at University of Alabama, which include two College Football National Championship appearances. Though he is a rookie, he is still a product of one of the best teams in the Southeastern Conference and college football.

Howard’s addition gives Jameis Winston another dangerous weapon to target. And with mentors like Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and Cameron Brate, you can certainly expect the rookie tight end to thrive.

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